2012 Ferrari 458 Italia
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 4.5L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 12 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,042 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 14 MPG combined, 32% below the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is a two seaters offered with a 4.5L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,042 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 18 highway), 32% worse than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 458 Italia — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 458 Italia →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD | 178.3 in | 76.4 in | 47.6 in | 104.3 in | – | 3,042 lb | 42/58 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 458 Italia Coupe | 4.5L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
| 458 Italia Coupe | 4.5L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
| 458 Italia Spider | 4.5L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
| 458 Italia Spider | 4.5L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Ferrari California | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lotus Evora | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 McLaren Automotive MP4-12C Coupe | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 23, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V833000 · 9,985 vehicles
- Problem
- Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
- Risk
- Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 78.
Not every 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 458 Italia years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 458 Italia | 15 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2014 458 Italia | 15 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2013 458 Italia | 15 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 458 Italia | 14 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2010 458 Italia | 14 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 3 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ferrari. How we calculate this →